The Fellowship for British Hairdressing capped off an incredible 12 months with its highly anticipated Annual Luncheon and Awards, held at the stunning Londoner Hotel.
The Fellowship for British Hairdressing is an iconic event, regarded as the biggest as well as the most prestigious networking and awards gathering in the hairdressing industry, welcoming over 450 U.K. and international guests for a day of celebration, reflection, and future planning.
2024: A Year of Growth and Innovation
The year 2024 marked a turning point for the Fellowship for British Hairdressing, beginning with a significant leadership transition. In June, Robert Eaton handed over the baton to Ashleigh Hodges, who made history as the youngest President of the Fellowship. Furthermore, the Fellowship embraced its most progressive phase yet, launching new Centres of Excellence, expanding its regional events and advanced education programs, and stepping into Europe for the first time in its history.
Community, Strength, and Celebration
Kicking off the event, President Ashleigh Hodges reflected on her first six months in office. She also emphasised the core themes of her presidency: Community and Strength. Her speech celebrated the strides made in enhancing creativity, inclusivity, and collaboration across the industry.
Vice President Michelle Griffin took the stage next, spotlighting the Fellowship’s four foundational pillars: Creativity, Opportunity, Diversity, as well as Inclusivity. Michelle also expressed gratitude to members, sponsors, and partners for their unwavering support throughout the year.
Honouring the Industry’s Best
The event also paid tribute to the Fellowship’s Patrons and milestone anniversaries within the industry. A highlight of the afternoon was the recognition of the 2024/2025 Scholarship Winners. Also, the introduction of two new Regional Ambassadors.
The awards segment celebrated industry achievements, culminating in poignant moments, including a heartfelt tribute to the late Trevor Sorbie MBE, a beloved Fellowship Patron who passed away shortly before the event.
Introducing the Ann Herman Scholarship
Following an exquisite lunch, CEO Barry Stephens joined Ashleigh Hodges to announce the launch of the Ann Herman Scholarship. It honours Ann’s lifelong dedication to the Fellowship.
The unveiling of the Fellowship Youth Board and the announcement of upcoming 2025 initiatives, including the Net Zero Project and Safe Space Programs, further highlighted the Fellowship’s forward-thinking approach.
Celebrating Excellence: Art & Commerce Awards and More
The celebration further continued with the much-awaited Art & Commerce Awards, followed by the announcement of the Fellowship Hairdresser of the Year, which drew enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Honouring Nicky Clarke
Closing the festivities, former President Robert Eaton took to the stage to present the prestigious Fellowship Lifetime Achievement Award. The award was bestowed upon Nicky Clarke, a legendary figure in the industry and a personal inspiration to Robert Eaton.
Meet the Award Winners
Fellowship Hairdresser of the Year – Suzie McGill, Rainbow Room International
Fellowship Lifetime Achievement Award – Nicky Clarke OBE
Sassoon Scholarship – Jason Hecker, Il Salotto & Offcut Barbers
Hairdotcom Scholarship – Meg Piper, Solstice Hair Studio
Trevor Sorbie Creative Scholarship – Clare Maxwell, Clare’s Hair Lab
WAHL Scholarship – Billy Ryan, Tribe Salons
Calligraphy Cut Scholarship – Jamie-Leigh Bailey, Meraki Hair, Morgan Graham, MG The Studio, Chelsey Stone, Chelsey Stone
Gabriella Wain, Tilted Crown Hair Studio-cannot attend, Rebecca Mills, William & Mary, Hair and Beauty, Chris Grimley, Fusion Hair Company
Regional Ambassadors – Geri Padalino Sassoon & Colette Osborne Urban Hideaway
Fellow with Honours – Jacqui McIntosh, Daniel Couch, Lisa Farrall, Jamie Benny, Darrel Starkey, Scott Cooper, Monica Teodoro
Fellow with Distinction – Sally Brooks, Robert Masciave, Tracey Ann Smith
Community Hero – Laura Leigh Kerr
Past Presidents Medal – Robert Eaton
Presidents Award – Stewart Roberts, Haircuts 4 Homeless
Member of the Year – Billy Ryan, Tribe Salons
Achiever of the Year Award
Amelia Krasinski, KH Hair – Project Colour
Lucy Melvin, Diamond Appearance – Project X
Jess Dennis, Tate Hair – Clubstar Art Team
Kieran Martin, Charter Cutting Company – Project Men & Media
Callum Bate-Siney, William & Mary Hair & Beauty – Project Sassoon
Nataša Stantić Brajović, Andrew Jose – Project Afro
Jade Miles, Voila Hair Studio – Project Extend
Snapshot Image of the Year – Giuseppe Stelitano, Trevor Sorbie, London
Men’s Image of the Year – Sam Elliot, Toni&Guy, Covent Garden, London
Colour Image of the Year – RUSH Artistic Team
Afro Image of the Year – Cos Sakkas, Toni & Guy Academy, London
International Image Award – Antoinette Beenders, Aveda, USA
Image of the Year – Cos Sakkas, Toni&Guy Academy, London
Independent Business of the Year – STĀ Studios
Salon Business of the Year – Medusa
Barber Business of the Year – R.W. Wolf barbers
Educator of the Year – Laura Leigh Kerr, Rainbow Room International
Session Stylist of the Year – Nick Irwin
Hall of F.A.M.E. Award – Josh Goldsworthy
2025 F.A.M.E. Team
Sam Bickle, Arkive by Adam Reed
Steve-Leah Loscombe, Blue Tit
Bekki Delehedy, Dot Hair
Annie Franklin, Prestige Hair
The Trevor Sorbie Award for Creative and Commercial Innovation – Kelly Rowney